73 
hand-saw, we procured some dry trees and 
underwood that afforded us a very comfort- 
able fire. One of the Hottentots, who was 
so rich as to possess a tinder-box, struck a 
light ; and this accommodation being not 
only highly useful but unexpected, gave 
new spirits to the whole of my people. 
The natives, as the night came on, did 
not retire as usual to their kraal. This 
gave a fresh alarm to my men ; and al- 
though I endeavoured to calm their ap- 
prehensions by every means in my power, 
still I confess their uneasiness did not ap- 
pear to be without some cause. We were 
obliged, however, situated as we then were, 
to abide the event, and we prepared for 
the worst that could happen. Our watch 
was set as formerly ; but the CafFrees hud- 
dling together, were soon lost in sleep. 
This place, however dismal in its appear- 
ance, afforded us tolerable shelter for the 
night ; we were no longer troubled with 
clouds of sand, and the severities of the 
wind and cold were mitigated by the friendly 
shade afforded us by the trees. 
We were roused by the savages as the 
